Why in the News
The government of Jammu and Kashmir is promoting almond blossoms and tulip blooms to revive tourism in Kashmir after a decline in tourist arrivals following a terror attack in 2025.
Key Initiative
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will inaugurate a Spring Festival at Badamwari Garden to showcase blooming almond trees and attract tourists.
Badamwari Almond Garden
- Located in Srinagar.
- Spread over 300 kanals (about 37.5 acres).
- Dates back to before the 14th century.
- Situated near the Hari Parbat area.
Tulip Festival
- Tulip is a flowering plant belonging to the genus Tulipa in the lily family (Liliaceae). It is one of the most popular ornamental flowers in the world, known for its bright colors and simple cup shaped petals.
- The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden will open to visitors from March 16.
- Key features:
- 1.8 million tulip bulbs planted.
- 70–75 tulip varieties.
- Often compared to the Keukenhof.
- In April 2025, the garden attracted 8.25 lakh visitors.
Tourism Impact
- Tourism contributes about 7% to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
- Tourist arrivals dropped from 26 lakh in 2024 to 11.16 lakh in 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent security concerns.
- Following a security audit, major tourist destinations have reopened.
Objective of the Initiative
- Revive tourism in Kashmir.
- Promote spring flower tourism similar to Japan’s cherry blossom festivals.
- Highlight Kashmir’s floriculture and natural beauty.
| Consider the following plants: Groundnut Horse-gram Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
